Dark Horse Presents #23

Dark Horse Presents issue 23 was published in October 1988 as part of Dark Horse Comics' flagship anthology series. Launched in 1986, the series was designed to provide a platform for creator-owned projects and experimental storytelling, serving as the incubator for iconic properties like Concrete and Sin City. At this stage in the late 1980s, the title was instrumental in bridging the gap between independent comics and the broader mainstream market.

This specific issue is notable for its continued serialization of Paul Chadwick’s Concrete and other key features that defined the publisher's house style. The design and editorial direction were spearheaded by Mike Richardson, who aimed to maintain high production values on newsprint. Critically, the anthology format was well-received by the industry for its ability to showcase diverse artistic voices, establishing Dark Horse as a serious competitor to established publishers during the independent comics boom.